ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ: Class9 EngGram Ch07 Countables and Uncountables

BSE ODISHA CLASS 9 • UTKAL MASTER STROKE

ବୋର୍ଡ ଅଫ୍ ସେକେଣ୍ଡାରୀ ଏଜୁକେସନ୍ (BSE Odisha) — ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ମାଷ୍ଟର ନୋଟ୍ସ

ଶ୍ରେଣୀ: Class 9 | ବିଷୟ: English Grammer

୧. ଅଧ୍ୟାୟର ସାରାଂଶ ଓ ମାଇଣ୍ଡ ମ୍ୟାପ୍ (Mind Map & Conceptual Architecture)

ଏହି ଅଧ୍ୟାୟଟି Nouns (ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦ) ର ଦୁଇଟି ମୁଖ୍ୟ ପ୍ରକାର, ଯଥା - Countable Nouns (ଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ) ଏବଂ Uncountable Nouns (ଅଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ) ଉପରେ ଆଧାରିତ। ଏହା ଏହି ଦୁଇ ପ୍ରକାର Nouns କୁ ଚିହ୍ନିବା, ସେମାନଙ୍କର ବ୍ୟବହାର, ଏକବଚନ ଓ ବହୁବଚନ ରୂପ, ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହିତ କିପରି Verb (କ୍ରିୟା) ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଏ, ସେ ବିଷୟରେ ବିସ୍ତୃତ ଭାବରେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରେ। ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟ Uncountable Nouns କୁ କିପରି Countable ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଇପାରିବ (quantifying units ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି) ଏବଂ କିଛି Nouns ଯାହାକି ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, ସେ ବିଷୟରେ ଆଲୋଚନା କରେ।

ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟ (Core Objectives):

Countable Nouns ଏବଂ Uncountable Nouns ମଧ୍ୟରେ ପାର୍ଥକ୍ୟ ବୁଝିବା।

Countable Nouns ର ଏକବଚନ (Singular) ଏବଂ ବହୁବଚନ (Plural) ରୂପ ଚିହ୍ନିବା ଓ ଗଠନ କରିବା।

Countable ଓ Uncountable Nouns ସହିତ ସଠିକ୍ Verb (କ୍ରିୟା) ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା।

Uncountable Nouns କୁ ମାପିବା ପାଇଁ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହେଉଥିବା ବିଭିନ୍ନ quantifying expressions ବିଷୟରେ ଜାଣିବା।

କିଛି ବିଶେଷ Nouns ଯାହା ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ କିମ୍ବା ଏକବଚନ ଓ ବହୁବଚନରେ ସମାନ ରହେ, ସେ ବିଷୟରେ ଅବଗତ ହେବା।

ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଚିହ୍ନଟ କରିବା ଏବଂ ସଠିକ୍ ବ୍ୟବହାର ଶିଖିବା।

ସଂକଳ୍ପନାତ୍ମକ ମାଇଣ୍ଡ ମ୍ୟାପ୍ (Conceptual Mind Map):

```

Nouns (ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ)

├── Countable Nouns (ଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ)

│ ├── ସଂଜ୍ଞା: ଗଣନା କରାଯାଇପାରେ, ଏକବଚନ ଓ ବହୁବଚନ ରୂପ ଥାଏ।

│ ├── Quantifiers: a/an, one, two, many, (a) few, several.

│ ├── Verb Agreement:

│ │ ├── Singular Count Noun → Singular Verb (e.g., a tree grows)

│ │ └── Plural Count Noun → Plural Verb (e.g., trees grow)

│ ├── Plural Formation (ବହୁବଚନ ଗଠନ):

│ │ ├── 's' ଯୋଗ କରି (e.g., goat → goats)

│ │ ├── 'es' ଯୋଗ କରି (-s, -ss, -ch, -sh, -x ରେ ଶେଷ ହେଉଥିବା) (e.g., glass → glasses)

│ │ ├── '-y' କୁ '-ies' ରେ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ କରି (consonant + y) (e.g., country → countries)

│ │ ├── '-f' / '-fe' କୁ '-ves' ରେ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ କରି (e.g., leaf → leaves)

│ │ ├── '-o' ରେ ଶେଷ ହେଉଥିବା (କିଛି 's', କିଛି 'es') (e.g., photo → photos, potato → potatoes)

│ │ ├── 'oo' କୁ 'ee' ରେ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ କରି (e.g., tooth → teeth)

│ │ ├── Irregular Plurals (e.g., man → men, child → children)

│ │ └── Same Singular & Plural (e.g., sheep, deer)

│ └── Collective Nouns (ସାମୂହିକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ):

│ └── Group as one unit (Singular Verb) vs. Individual members (Plural Verb)

│ (e.g., team has vs. team have)

│

└── Uncountable Nouns (ଅଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ)

├── ସଂଜ୍ଞା: ଗଣନା କରାଯାଇପାରେ ନାହିଁ, ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ ରୂପରେ ଥାଏ।

├── Quantifiers: a/an, one, two, many, (a) few ବ୍ୟବହାର ହୁଏ ନାହିଁ।

│ └── ବ୍ୟବହୃତ Quantifiers: some, a lot of, enough, a little, much, any.

├── Verb Agreement: ସର୍ବଦା Singular Verb (e.g., water is essential)

├── Common Categories:

│ ├── Liquids (water, milk), Gases (air), Materials (wood, gold)

│ ├── Abstract Ideas (advice, happiness, knowledge)

│ ├── Food Items (bread, rice, sugar), Subjects (mathematics)

│ ├── Diseases (mumps), Activities (sleep, travel)

│ └── Nouns ending in '-s' but Uncountable (e.g., news, physics, gymnastics)

├── Quantifying Uncountables:

│ └── Units/Measurements ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି (e.g., a glass of water, a slice of bread)

└── Nouns with different meanings in plural forms:

└── (e.g., sand/sands, water/waters, work/works, glass/glasses)

```

୨. ମୁଖ୍ୟ ବିଷୟବସ୍ତୁ, ସିଦ୍ଧାନ୍ତ ଓ ଗାଣିତିକ ସୂତ୍ରାବଳୀ (Comprehensive Theory & Formulas)

Nouns (ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦ)

A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns can be broadly classified into two main categories: Countable Nouns and Uncountable Nouns.

୨.୧ Countable Nouns (ଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ)

Countable nouns, also known as Count Nouns, are nouns that can be counted. They have both singular and plural forms.

୨.୧.୧ Characteristics of Countable Nouns:

They can be preceded by numbers (one, two, three, etc.).

They can be preceded by quantifiers like `a/an`, `one`, `two`, `many`, `(a) few`, `several`.

They have a singular form and a plural form.

୨.୧.୨ Verb Agreement with Countable Nouns:

Singular Count Nouns take singular verbs.

Example: This tree grows well. (Singular Count Noun + Singular Verb)

Plural Count Nouns take plural verbs.

Example: These trees grow well. (Plural Count Noun + Plural Verb)

୨.୧.୩ Formation of Plurals for Countable Nouns:

Most singular countable nouns can be made plural. Here are the common rules:

(i) Adding 's': Most singular count nouns form their plural by adding 's' to the end.

Example: goat → goats, cow → cows, tree → trees, flute → flutes, card → cards, stream → streams.

(ii) Adding 'es': Generally, we add 'es' to singular count nouns ending in -s, -ss, -ch, -sh, -x to make them plurals.

Example: gas → gases, glass → glasses, fox → foxes, watch → watches, dish → dishes.

(iii) Changing '-y' to '-ies': For singular count nouns ending in -y with a consonant before it, we replace -y with -ies to make them plurals.

Example: country → countries, party → parties, lady → ladies, body → bodies.

Note: If a vowel comes before -y (e.g., boy, toy), we just add 's' (boys, toys).

(iv) Changing '-f' or '-fe' to '-ves': In case of nouns ending in -f or -fe, we usually replace -f or -fe with -ves to make them plurals.

Example: calf → calves, thief → thieves, leaf → leaves, wife → wives, life → lives, knife → knives.

(v) Nouns ending in '-o': Some nouns ending in -o take -s, and some others take -es to become plurals.

Adding 's': photo → photos, piano → pianos, mango → mangoes.

Adding 'es': potato → potatoes, hero → heroes, tomato → tomatoes.

(vi) Changing 'oo' to 'ee': Some nouns having 'oo' in between change 'oo' to 'ee' to make them plurals.

Example: tooth → teeth, foot → feet, goose → geese.

Exception: book → books (not 'beek').

(vii) Nouns that do not change their forms: Some nouns do not change their forms into plurals.

Example: people → people, sheep → sheep, deer → deer, cattle → cattle.

(viii) Irregular Plurals: Some nouns have irregular plural forms.

Example: man → men, woman → women, child → children, ox → oxen, mouse → mice.

୨.୧.୪ Collective Nouns:

Some nouns refer to a group of people or things. These are called collective nouns (e.g., crowd, public, government, council, army, company, family, audience, team, committee).

If we consider the group as one body, we use a singular verb with them.

Example: Our cricket team has won many trophies. (The team as a single group.)

If we see the body as separate individuals, we use a plural verb.

Example: The team have not prepared themselves well. (Individual members of the team.)

Special Case: Nouns like `police`, `people`, and `cattle` always take plural verbs.

Example: The cattle are grazing. The police have caught the thief. People don't like dishonest politicians.

୨.୧.୫ Nouns Always Used in Plural Forms:

Some nouns are always used in plural forms and take plural verbs. These often refer to items with two parts.

Example: `clothes`, `belongings`, `contents`, `earnings`, `surroundings`, `savings`, `jeans`, `pyjamas`, `glasses`, `spectacles`, `trousers`, `scissors`, `binoculars`, `goggles`.

Example: My trousers are new. These scissors need sharpening.

To refer to a single item of these, we use phrases like `a pair of`.

Example: A pair of trousers is new. (Here, 'pair' is the subject, which is singular, so the verb is singular).

୨.୨ Uncountable Nouns (ଅଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ)

Uncountable nouns, also known as Mass Nouns, are nouns that cannot be counted. They usually have only one form (singular) and do not have a plural form.

୨.୨.୧ Characteristics of Uncountable Nouns:

We do not use `a/an`, `one`, `two`, `many`, `(a) few`, `several`, or other numerals before them.

They mostly go with singular verbs.

Example: Water is essential for life. (Uncountable + Singular Verb)

They refer to substances, concepts, or things that cannot be separated into individual units.

୨.୨.୨ Quantifiers for Uncountable Nouns:

Although we do not use `a/an` or numerals before uncountables, we can use certain other words before them to indicate quantity:

`some`: You will find some milk here.

`a lot of`: You will find a lot of milk here.

`enough`: You will find enough milk here.

`a little`: You will find a little milk here.

`no`: There is no milk here.

`much`: There is not much milk left. (Used in questions or negative sentences)

`any`: Is there any milk left? (Used in questions or negative sentences)

`this/that`: Please boil this milk.

୨.୨.୩ Common Categories of Uncountable Nouns:

Liquids/Gases: water, milk, tea, coffee, air, oxygen.

Materials: bread, cheese, paper, wheat flour, soap, wood, coal, gold, cotton, steel, cloth, iron, glass, tin.

Abstract Ideas/Concepts: advice, bread, happiness, bravery, joy, respect, pride, travel, cruelty, honesty, beauty, kindness, courage, anger, leisure, scenery, accommodation, hair, luck, traffic, baggage, health, machinery, equipment, homework, information, money, news, furniture, knowledge, progress, work.

Food Items (general): food, rice, jam, paste, sugar.

Subjects of Study: Mathematics, physics, statistics, economics, electronics, politics.

Diseases: mumps, measles, rabies, itches, scabies, diabetes.

Sports/Activities: athletics, sports, billiards, huddles, cards, gymnastics.

୨.୨.୪ Uncountable Nouns ending in '-s':

There are certain nouns ending in '-s' that look like plural countables but are actually uncountable nouns and go with singular verbs. These are mainly names of some diseases, subjects of study, or sports activities.

Example: Mathematics is my favourite subject. Diabetes is a disease. Gymnastics is good for health. News is important.

୨.୨.୫ Quantifying Uncountables using Units/Measurements:

Sometimes, uncountable things are sold or packed in certain units or measurements. We can use these uncountables as countables by putting names of these units or measurements before them.

Example: a glass of water, a piece of advice, a sheet of paper, a bar of soap, a block of ice, a tin of jam, a grain of wheat, a bottle of milk.

In a restaurant, "a tea" means "a cup of tea", "one coffee" means "one cup of coffee", "a chocolate" means "a bar/piece of chocolate", and "an ice-cream" means "a scoop/serving of ice-cream".

୨.୨.୬ Uncountable Nouns with Different Meanings in Plural Forms:

Some uncountable nouns can have different meanings when used in their plural forms, often becoming countable in that context.

Sand:

`Sand` (uncountable): material (e.g., We need sand to build houses.)

`Sands` (countable, plural): a large area of sand (e.g., Children are playing in the sands of the river.)

Water:

`Water` (uncountable): a liquid material (e.g., Give me some water to drink.)

`Waters` (countable, plural): a large water body (e.g., We swam in the waters of Chilika.)

Work:

`Work` (uncountable): physical or mental labour (e.g., Work is worship.)

`Works` (countable, plural): a factory or workshop (e.g., I have got a job in a steel works.)

Glass:

`Glass` (uncountable): a transparent material (e.g., You can see through glass.)

`Glasses` (countable, plural): spectacles (e.g., You need glasses for your eyes.)

Tin:

`Tin` (uncountable): a useful material (metal) (e.g., Tin is a useful material.)

`Tins` (countable, plural): tin containers (e.g., Put the biscuits in the tins.)

୩. ପାଠ୍ୟପୁସ୍ତକ ଅଭ୍ୟାସ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନାବଳୀର ୧୦୦% ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସମାଧାନ (100% Complete Solved Exercises)

Activity - 1:

Read the following passage and underline the nouns. Identify the nouns from the above passage and write them in the appropriate boxes given below. Two have been done for you.

Passage: My little friend drives his cows and goats into the field every morning. He leads his herd to that part of the field where grass grows well. While the cows and goats enjoy the grass, he sits under a tree and plays music on the flute. When he feels hungry, he eats the food he carries from home and drinks water from the stream. Sometimes he plays on the sand or makes beautiful toys of clay and mud.

Underlined Nouns in the passage:

My little friend drives his cows and goats into the field every morning. He leads his herd to that part of the field where grass grows well. While the cows and goats enjoy the grass, he sits under a tree and plays music on the flute. When he feels hungry, he eats the food he carries from home and drinks water from the stream. Sometimes he plays on the sand or makes beautiful toys of clay and mud.

Nouns before which we can use a/an, one, two, many, (a)few, etc. (Countables)

friend

cows

goats

field

morning

herd

part

tree

flute

stream

toys

Nouns which do not usually go with a/an, one, two, many, (a)few (Uncountables)

grass

music

food

home

water

sand

clay

mud

Activity - 2:

B. Here is a list of things. Put them into two separate columns: Countables in column-A and Uncountables in column-B. The first one has been done for you.

(water, newspaper, bread, egg, tea, milk, cheese, pen, soap, book, coffee, paper, wheat flour, paste, sugar, magazine, jam, potato, scale, bottle, bag, jar, mug.)

Column - A (List of Countables)

newspaper

egg

pen

book

magazine

potato

scale

bottle

bag

jar

mug

Column - B (List of Uncountables)

water

bread

tea

milk

cheese

soap

coffee

paper

wheat flour

paste

sugar

jam

A. Singular Count Nouns and their Plural forms.

(This section is descriptive, providing examples of plural formation. No exercise to solve here, but the examples are crucial for understanding.)

(i) Most Singular Count Nouns can be made plural by adding 's' to them.

goat - goats

cow - cows

tree - trees

flute - flutes

card - cards

stream - streams

(ii) Generally we add -es to Singular Count Nouns ending in -s, -ss, -ch, -sh, -x, to make them plurals.

gas - gases

glass - glasses

fox - foxes

watch - watches

dish - dishes

(iii) For Singular Count Nouns ending in -y with a consonant before it we replace -y with -ies to make them plurals.

country - countries

party - parties

lady - ladies

body - bodies

(iv) In case of nouns ending in -f or -fe, we usually replace -f or -fe with -ves to make them plurals.

calf - calves

thief - thieves

leaf - leaves

wife - wives

life - lives

knife - knives

(v) Some nouns ending in -o take -s, and some others take -es to become plurals.

photo - photos

piano - pianos

mango - mangoes

potato - potatoes

(vi) Some nouns having 'oo' in between we change oo to ee to make them plurals.

tooth - teeth

foot - feet (but not in case of 'book')

goose - geese

(vii) Some nouns do not change their forms into plurals.

people - people

sheep - sheep

cattle - cattle

deer - deer

(viii) Look at the following singular countables alongwith their plural forms.

man - men

woman - women

child - children

ox - oxen

mouse - mice

Activity - 3:

B. The following is an entry in the diary of Rita. In some places she has wrongly written the plural forms of some nouns. Underline the mistakes and write their correct forms in the right hand margin.

Diary Entry with Corrections:

6 April: Today was Sunday. I got up late in the morning. After brushing my tooths (teeth) I had some cakes (cakes - correct as is, 'cake' can be countable) for breakfast. Then I did my lessons (lessons - correct as is) for an hour. I had to make a list of the political partys (parties) of our state and the names of the countrys (countries) of Asia. After completing homework (homework - correct as is, uncountable) I went to the kitchen to help my mother. I cut the vegetable leafs (leaves), potatos (potatoes) and tomatos (tomatoes) and kept them neatly on the plates (plates - correct as is). In the afternoon I fed the goats (goats - correct as is), cowes (cows) and sheeps (sheep). In the evening I washed my hands (hands - correct as is) and foots (feet) and sat down to read. Then my younger sisters (sisters - correct as is) came with their toyes (toys) to play with me. We played for sometime. At bed time I told them some nice storys (stories) and slept.

Corrected Forms:

tooths → teeth

partys → parties

countrys → countries

leafs → leaves

potatos → potatoes

tomatos → tomatoes

cowes → cows

sheeps → sheep

foots → feet

toyes → toys

storys → stories

Activity - 4:

Look at the names of the things which we use. Mark them and the verbs they take.

trousers: My trousers are new.

scissors: These scissors need sharpening.

binoculars: These binoculars have powerful lenses.

goggles: A pair of goggles is useful in summer.

(A pair of trousers / a pair of scissors / a pair of binoculars / a pair of goggles takes a singular verb.)

Now tick (✓) the right alternatives and strike out (✗) the wrong ones.

(a) The above things have two equal (✓) / unequal (✗) parts.

(b) They are joined (✓) / not joined (✗) at one point.

Correction: Together they make one object. (The question implies that even though they have two parts, they function as a single item.) Let's re-evaluate. The textbook says "make one/more than one object". The common understanding is that they form one object, even if composed of two parts. So, 'one' is the intended answer here.

Re-correction: The phrase "one/more than one" suggests a choice. These items (trousers, scissors) are considered one object, despite having two parts. So, "one" is the correct choice.

(d) We do not (✓) / do (✗) use plural markers like these and those with them.

Correction: We do use plural markers like these and those with them. For example, "These trousers are new." "Those scissors are sharp." The question is tricky. The nouns themselves are plural. So, we use plural markers.

Re-correction: The text says "We do / do not use plural markers like these and those with them." The examples given are "My trousers are new", "These scissors need sharpening", "These binoculars have powerful lenses". All these use plural verbs and plural determiners. So, we do use plural markers.

(d) We do (✓) / do not (✗) use plural markers like these and those with them.

Some other words belonging to this group are: jeans, pyjamas, glasses, spectacles, etc.

Activity - 5:

Read the following sentences and rewrite them choosing the appropriate ones given in boxes.

(i) Look at my new jeans. (jean / jeans)

(ii) Please give my regards to your parents. (regards / regard)

(iii) Please cut this with a scissors. (scissor / scissors)

Correction: "a pair of scissors" or just "scissors". "A scissors" is incorrect. The question asks to choose between "a scissor" and "scissors". Since "scissors" is always plural, "scissors" is the correct choice, implying "a pair of scissors" or just the plural noun.

(iii) Please cut this with scissors. (scissor / scissors)

(iv) Where is my left shoe? (shoe / shoes)

(v) I have kept my savings in a bank. (savings / saving)

(vi) Where did you keep my clothes? (clothes / cloth)

(vii) Please take out the contents of the box. (content / contents)

(viii) The surroundings of the school look great. (surrounding / surroundings)

Activity - 6:

Fill in the blanks with a suitable word / phrase choosing from the brackets.

(a lot of, no, that, a little, much, enough, some, his, any)

(i) I was guided by some advice.

(ii) I have much knowledge of computer.

Correction: "much" is generally used in negative or interrogative sentences. For positive sentences, "a lot of" or "some" is more natural. However, "much" is not strictly incorrect here, especially in formal contexts. Given the options, "much" is plausible. "A lot of" would also fit. Let's stick to the provided options and common usage. "Much" is often used with uncountable nouns.

(ii) I have a lot of knowledge of computer. (More natural than 'much' in a positive statement)

(iii) You need enough money to buy this.

(iv) Do you have any work to do?

(v) Where did you get that news?

Correction: "that" is a demonstrative. "Some" or "any" could also fit depending on context. "That" refers to specific news.

(v) Where did you get some news? (If general news) OR that news? (If specific news). The textbook example for 'that' is "Please boil this/that milk". So 'that' is a valid choice.

(v) Where did you get that news?

(vi) I got some help from him.

(vii) This room is crowded with a lot of luggage.

Correction: "much" or "a lot of" are suitable. "A lot of" is generally more common in positive sentences.

(vii) This room is crowded with much luggage. (Or 'a lot of')

(viii) They have enough food for the family.

(ix) They haven't left any work for me.

Revisiting Activity 6 based on common usage and options:

(i) I was guided by some advice. (Advice is uncountable)

(ii) I have a lot of knowledge of computer. (Knowledge is uncountable, 'a lot of' is common in positive statements)

(iii) You need enough money to buy this. (Money is uncountable)

(iv) Do you have any work to do? (Work (labour) is uncountable, 'any' in questions)

(v) Where did you get that news? (News is uncountable, 'that' refers to specific news)

(vi) I got some help from him. (Help is uncountable)

(vii) This room is crowded with much luggage. (Luggage is uncountable, 'much' is appropriate for quantity)

(viii) They have enough food for the family. (Food is uncountable)

(ix) They haven't left any work for me. (Work (labour) is uncountable, 'any' in negative statements)

Activity - 7:

Below you find a list of uncountable nouns. Arrange them under their appropriate heads. One has been written under each head for you.

(courage, wood, coal, anger, gold, rice, happiness, bravery, joy, cotton, steel, cloth, water, sleep, respect, tea, soap, pride, travel, cruelty, sleep, honesty, iron, beauty, kindness.)

Materials

wood

coal

gold

cotton

steel

cloth

water

tea

soap

iron

Human feelings

happiness

courage

anger

bravery

joy

respect

pride

honesty

beauty

kindness

Human activities

sleep

travel

Human qualities

pride (can be a feeling or a quality, listed under feelings above, but also fits here)

courage (also a feeling)

bravery (also a feeling)

honesty

kindness

beauty

Self-correction: The textbook provides 'pride' under Human qualities. Let's ensure no duplication and follow the provided example. 'Pride' is a quality, but also a feeling. For clarity, let's categorize them distinctly.

Revised Activity - 7:

Materials

wood

coal

gold

cotton

steel

cloth

water

tea

soap

iron

rice (food item, but often grouped with materials in such exercises)

Human feelings

happiness

anger

joy

respect

Human activities

sleep

travel

Human qualities

pride

courage

bravery

cruelty

honesty

beauty

kindness

Activity - 8:

A. Quantifying the Uncountable.

Read the dialogue between two friends in a restaurant and see how they are using some uncountable nouns as countables at times.

Rosy: Would you like to have tea or coffee?

Julie: Coffee, rather.

Rosy: (to the hotel boy) Bring a tea and one coffee.

(Both the friends sip tea and coffee respectively.)

Rosy: Julie, will you like to have a chocolate now?

Julie: I have never liked chocolate.

Rosy: How about ice-cream?

Julie: No, thanks. You can buy an ice-cream for yourself. I don't like ice-cream after coffee.

Rosy: Fine, let's leave then.

Tea, coffee, ice-cream, chocolate are uncountable nouns. But Rosy and Julie have sometimes used them as countable nouns (a tea, one coffee, a chocolate and an ice-cream). Can you say why? Does a tea mean a cup of tea? Discuss in pairs and try to get the answers and write them below.

Explanation:

Yes, "a tea" means "a cup of tea". In this context, the uncountable nouns (tea, coffee, chocolate, ice-cream) are being used as countables to refer to a specific serving or unit of that item. This is a common practice in everyday language, especially in service industries like restaurants or cafes.

Equivalences:

a tea = a cup of tea

one coffee = a cup of coffee

a chocolate = a bar/piece of chocolate

an ice-cream = a scoop/serving of ice-cream

Activity - 9:

A. Sometimes some uncountable things are sold or packed in certain units or measurements. We can use these uncountables as countables by putting names of these units or measurements before them. Match the following uncountables with the quantifying phrases they go with and write them in the column marked Countables. Some quantifying units may go with more than one uncountable noun. One has been done for you.

Quantifying units | Uncountables | Countables

a glass of | soap | a bar of soap

a piece of | milk | a glass of milk

a sheet of | ice | a piece of ice

a bar of | wheat | a sheet of paper

a block of | water | a bar of wheat

a tin of | jam | a block of ice

a grain of | advice | a tin of jam

a bottle of | paper | a grain of wheat

| | a bottle of water

| | a piece of advice

Completed Table:

Quantifying units | Uncountables | Countables

a glass of | soap | a bar of soap

a piece of | milk | a glass of milk

a sheet of | ice | a piece of ice

a bar of | wheat | a sheet of paper

a block of | water | a bar of wheat

a tin of | jam | a block of ice

a grain of | advice | a tin of jam

a bottle of | paper | a grain of wheat

| | a bottle of water

| | a piece of advice

B. Some uncount nouns have different meanings in their plural forms.

(This section is descriptive, providing examples and explanations. No exercise to solve here.)

(i) Sand:

`Sand` (uncountable): We need sand and stone to build houses. (material)

`Sands` (countable, plural): Children are playing in the sands of the river. (large area of sand)

(ii) Water:

`Water` (uncountable): Give me some water to drink. (a liquid material)

`Waters` (countable, plural): We swam in the waters of Chilika. (a large water body)

(iii) Work:

`Work` (uncountable): Work is worship. (Physical or mental labour)

`Works` (countable, plural): I have got a job in a steel works. (factory, workshop)

(iv) Glass:

`Glass` (uncountable): You can see through glass. (a transparent material)

`Glasses` (countable, plural): You need glasses for your eyes. (spectacles)

(v) Tin:

`Tin` (uncountable): Tin is a useful material. (metal)

`Tins` (countable, plural): Put the biscuits in the tins. (tin container)

Activity - 10:

C. Read the dialogue between a mother and her daughter given below. You will find some errors in their use of countable and uncountable nouns. Identify the wrong ones and write their correct forms.

Dialogue with Corrections:

Mother: Rita, today is Sunday. You have to do a work (some work / a piece of work) for me.

Rita: What is it, mother?

Mother: You have to clean the furnitures (furniture).

Rita: But mother, I have to go to the gymnastic class in the morning. Besides, I have many homeworks (homework) to do. Mathematics are (Mathematics is) very difficult for me, you know. I need times (time) to complete that.

Mother: OK, first finish all the works (work) you have. You can do the cleanings (cleaning) in the afternoon.

Rita: Thank you mother. (In the afternoon)

Rita: I have a good news (piece of news / news) for you, mother. I have finished my homeworks (homework) before time. Can I clean the rooms now?

Mother: O, yes. Take a cloth (cloth) and some waters (water). Put some soaps (soap / bars of soap) or some detergent powders (detergent powder) in it and gently clean the furnitures (furniture) and kitchen equipments (equipment).

Rita: Shall I also clean the things made of glasses (glass)?

Mother: No, clean things made of woods (wood) only.

Rita: OK, mother.

List of Errors and Correct Forms:

a work → some work / a piece of work (Work as labor is uncountable)

furnitures → furniture (Furniture is uncountable)

homeworks → homework (Homework is uncountable)

Mathematics are → Mathematics is (Mathematics is an uncountable noun, takes singular verb)

times → time (Time as a general concept is uncountable)

works → work (Work as labor/task is uncountable)

cleanings → cleaning (Cleaning as an activity is uncountable)

a good news → good news / a piece of good news (News is uncountable)

homeworks → homework (Homework is uncountable)

waters → water (Water as a liquid is uncountable)

soaps → soap / bars of soap (Soap as a substance is uncountable; 'soaps' can refer to different types of soap, but here it's about the substance)

detergent powders → detergent powder (Detergent powder as a substance is uncountable)

furnitures → furniture (Furniture is uncountable)

equipments → equipment (Equipment is uncountable)

glasses (material) → glass (Glass as a material is uncountable)

woods → wood (Wood as a material is uncountable)

୪. ବୋର୍ଡ ପରୀକ୍ଷା ମାଷ୍ଟ୍ରି ଟିପ୍ସ ଓ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲ୍ (Board Exam Tips & Pitfalls)

Countable and Uncountable Nouns ହେଉଛି English Grammar ର ଏକ ମୌଳିକ ଅଂଶ, ଯାହାକି ବାକ୍ୟ ଗଠନ ଏବଂ ସଠିକ୍ ବ୍ୟାକରଣ ପାଇଁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ। ବୋର୍ଡ ପରୀକ୍ଷାରେ ଭଲ ନମ୍ବର ରଖିବା ପାଇଁ ଏବଂ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଏଡ଼ାଇବା ପାଇଁ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ଟିପ୍ସଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଅନୁସରଣ କରନ୍ତୁ:

୪.୧ ପରୀକ୍ଷା ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତି ରଣନୀତି (Exam Preparation Strategies):

୧. ସଂଜ୍ଞା ଓ ପାର୍ଥକ୍ୟ ବୁଝନ୍ତୁ: Countable ଓ Uncountable Nouns ର ସଂଜ୍ଞା ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ମୁଖ୍ୟ ପାର୍ଥକ୍ୟକୁ ଭଲ ଭାବରେ ବୁଝନ୍ତୁ। ମନେରଖନ୍ତୁ ଯେ Countable Nouns ଗଣନା କରାଯାଇପାରେ ଏବଂ ଏକବଚନ ଓ ବହୁବଚନ ରୂପ ଥାଏ, କିନ୍ତୁ Uncountable Nouns ଗଣନା କରାଯାଇପାରେ ନାହିଁ ଏବଂ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ ରୂପରେ ଥାଏ।

୨. ବହୁବଚନ ଗଠନ ନିୟମ ଅଭ୍ୟାସ କରନ୍ତୁ: Countable Nouns ର ବହୁବଚନ ଗଠନ ପାଇଁ ଥିବା ବିଭିନ୍ନ ନିୟମ (s, es, -y to -ies, -f/-fe to -ves, -o endings, irregular plurals) କୁ ବାରମ୍ବାର ଅଭ୍ୟାସ କରନ୍ତୁ। ବିଶେଷ କରି ଅନିୟମିତ ବହୁବଚନ (man-men, child-children) ଏବଂ ଯେଉଁ Nouns ର ଏକବଚନ ଓ ବହୁବଚନ ରୂପ ସମାନ (sheep, deer) ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ମନେରଖନ୍ତୁ।

୩. Verb Agreement ଉପରେ ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦିଅନ୍ତୁ:

Singular Countable Nouns ଏବଂ Uncountable Nouns ସର୍ବଦା Singular Verb ନିଅନ୍ତି। (e.g., A book is on the table. Water is essential.)

Plural Countable Nouns ସର୍ବଦା Plural Verb ନିଅନ୍ତି। (e.g., Books are on the table.)

`Police`, `people`, `cattle` ପରି Nouns ସର୍ବଦା Plural Verb ନିଅନ୍ତି।

`Trousers`, `scissors`, `glasses` ପରି Nouns ଯାହା ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ Plural Verb ନିଅନ୍ତି। (e.g., My trousers are new.)

`Mathematics`, `news`, `mumps` ପରି Nouns ଯାହା '-s' ରେ ଶେଷ ହୁଏ କିନ୍ତୁ Uncountable, ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ Singular Verb ନିଅନ୍ତି। (e.g., Mathematics is my favourite subject.)

୪. Quantifiers ର ସଠିକ୍ ବ୍ୟବହାର ଶିଖନ୍ତୁ:

Countable Nouns ପାଇଁ: `a/an`, `one`, `two`, `many`, `(a) few`, `several`.

Uncountable Nouns ପାଇଁ: `some`, `a lot of`, `enough`, `a little`, `much`, `any`.

`Much` ସାଧାରଣତଃ ନକାରାତ୍ମକ ବା ପ୍ରଶ୍ନବାଚକ ବାକ୍ୟରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। `A lot of` ଉଭୟ Countable ଓ Uncountable Nouns ପାଇଁ ସକାରାତ୍ମକ ବାକ୍ୟରେ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଇପାରେ।

୫. Uncountable Nouns କୁ Countable କରିବାର ଉପାୟ: `a glass of`, `a piece of`, `a slice of`, `a bar of` ପରି quantifying units ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି Uncountable Nouns କୁ କିପରି Countable ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଏ, ତାହା ବୁଝନ୍ତୁ। (e.g., a cup of tea, a bar of chocolate).

୬. ବିଶେଷ Nouns ପ୍ରତି ସତର୍କ ରୁହନ୍ତୁ: କିଛି Nouns ଯାହାକି ଏକବଚନ ଓ ବହୁବଚନରେ ଭିନ୍ନ ଅର୍ଥ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରନ୍ତି (e.g., sand/sands, water/waters, work/works, glass/glasses), ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକର ବ୍ୟବହାରକୁ ଭଲ ଭାବରେ ଅଧ୍ୟୟନ କରନ୍ତୁ।

୭. ଅଭ୍ୟାସ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନାବଳୀର ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସମାଧାନ: ପାଠ୍ୟପୁସ୍ତକରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଥିବା ସମସ୍ତ ଅଭ୍ୟାସ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନାବଳୀକୁ ବାରମ୍ବାର ଅଭ୍ୟାସ କରନ୍ତୁ। ଏହା ଆପଣଙ୍କୁ ନିୟମଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ମନେରଖିବାରେ ଏବଂ ପ୍ରୟୋଗ କରିବାରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବ।

୪.୨ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲ୍ (Common Pitfalls):

୧. Uncountable Nouns କୁ ବହୁବଚନ କରିବା: `informations`, `furnitures`, `advices`, `homeworks`, `equipments`, `news` (as `a news` or `news` with plural verb) ପରି ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବହୁବଚନ କରିବା ଏକ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲ୍। ଏଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସର୍ବଦା ଏକବଚନରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଅନ୍ତି।

ଭୁଲ୍: I have many informations.

ଠିକ୍: I have much information. / I have many pieces of information.

୨. Uncountable Nouns ସହିତ `a/an` ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା: `a water`, `an advice`, `a bread` ପରି ବ୍ୟବହାର ଭୁଲ୍।

ଭୁଲ୍: I need a water.

ଠିକ୍: I need some water. / I need a glass of water.

୩. Verb Agreement ରେ ଭୁଲ୍: Uncountable Nouns ସହିତ Plural Verb ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା।

ଭୁଲ୍: The news are good.

ଠିକ୍: The news is good.

୪. `Much` ଓ `Many` ର ଭୁଲ୍ ବ୍ୟବହାର: Countable Nouns ସହିତ `much` ଏବଂ Uncountable Nouns ସହିତ `many` ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା।

ଭୁଲ୍: I have much books.

ଠିକ୍: I have many books.

ଭୁଲ୍: She has many money.

ଠିକ୍: She has much money. / She has a lot of money.

୫. `Few` ଓ `Little` ର ଭୁଲ୍ ବ୍ୟବହାର: Countable Nouns ସହିତ `little` ଏବଂ Uncountable Nouns ସହିତ `few` ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା।

ଭୁଲ୍: I have little friends.

ଠିକ୍: I have few friends.

ଭୁଲ୍: There is few water in the bottle.

ଠିକ୍: There is little water in the bottle.

୬. Collective Nouns ର ବ୍ୟବହାର: Collective Nouns କୁ କେଉଁ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ Singular Verb ଏବଂ କେଉଁ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ Plural Verb ସହିତ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଏ, ତାହା ବୁଝିବାରେ ଭୁଲ୍ କରିବା।

ଭୁଲ୍: The team are playing well (if referring to the team as a single unit).

ଠିକ୍: The team is playing well.

ଭୁଲ୍: The committee is divided in their opinions (if referring to individual members).

ଠିକ୍: The committee are divided in their opinions.

୭. ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ Nouns: `scissors`, `trousers`, `glasses` ପରି Nouns କୁ ଏକବଚନ ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା।

ଭୁଲ୍: My trouser is torn.

ଠିକ୍: My trousers are torn. / My pair of trousers is torn.

ଏହି ଟିପ୍ସ ଏବଂ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ମନେରଖିଲେ, ଆପଣ Countable and Uncountable Nouns ବିଷୟରେ ଆପଣଙ୍କର ଜ୍ଞାନକୁ ଦୃଢ଼ କରିପାରିବେ ଏବଂ ପରୀକ୍ଷାରେ ଉତ୍କୃଷ୍ଟ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ କରିପାରିବେ।

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(ନୋଟ୍ସ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତି: ଉତ୍କଳ ସ୍କିଲ୍ ସେଣ୍ଟର - BSE Odisha 100% Full Textbook Master Edition)

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